In a bid to foster participatory democracy and ensure informed citizenry ahead of the impending general elections, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) recently presented its comprehensive civic plans for the year 2024 to the esteemed members of the Council of State.
Led by Ms. Kathleen Addy, the NCCE delegation outlined an array of citizen-centered initiatives aimed at galvanizing every Ghanaian towards nation-building under the overarching theme, “Together We Can Build Ghana, So Get Involved.”
During the briefing, Ms. Addy emphasized the imperative of deliberate civic engagements to combat electoral malpractices such as vote-buying, while also addressing potential threats posed by violent extremists, religious intolerance, and the proliferation of misinformation and fake news.
“This engagement is part of the activities to create a social contract between Ghana’s leaders and its citizens for Ghana’s Political and Economic Transformation. The social contract ‘Compact for Ghana’s Political and Economic Transformation’ aims to address the fundamental problems underlying the country’s economic development challenges.”
Ms. Kathleen Addy, NCCE Boss
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Addy underscored the pivotal role of State Actors in prioritizing civic education and allocating resources to facilitate active citizen engagement, particularly in the lead-up to, during, and after the 2024 general elections. She further highlighted challenges hindering effective civic education delivery and urged the Council of State to champion the NCCE’s cause.
A significant emphasis was placed on youth participation in the electoral process. The NCCE plans to conduct a flagship research study titled “Matters of Concern to the Ghanaian Voter” to understand the issues that matter most to young voters. Additionally, the Commission aims to organize debates, and social media campaigns, and engage with the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee to encourage youth involvement.
In response, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, Chairman of the Council of State, reiterated the Council’s unwavering commitment to supporting the NCCE in fulfilling its constitutional mandate. Assuring continued advocacy on behalf of the Commission, he affirmed the Council’s dedication to promoting civic education and bolstering democratic principles across the nation.
The NCCE, established under Article 231 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and the NCCE Act, 1993 (Act 452), serves as an independent, non-partisan governance institution. Its primary role is to promote and sustain democracy by educating the Ghanaian populace on their rights and obligations. The Commission’s efforts are crucial for the country’s constitutional development, as they contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions and the promotion of active citizenship.
Accompanying Ms. Addy were key NCCE officials, including Deputy Chairman Lawyer Victor Brobbey, Commission Member Hajara Mohammed Rufai, and senior managers, signifying the Commission’s collective commitment to advancing civic education and strengthening Ghana’s constitutional development.
As Ghana approaches a critical juncture in its democratic journey, the NCCE’s proactive measures, backed by the support of the Council of State, are poised to foster greater civic consciousness, enhance electoral integrity, and fortify the foundations of democracy nationwide.
The recent briefing by the NCCE to the Council of State marks a significant step towards enhancing civic engagement and promoting participatory democracy in Ghana. Through its planned activities and programs, the NCCE aims to address critical issues such as vote buying, violent extremism, and the spread of misinformation, while also focusing on youth participation and civic education. The support from the Council of State is expected to further bolster these efforts, ensuring that the NCCE can effectively fulfill its mandate and contribute to Ghana’s constitutional development.
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